Imaging marker

ABSTRACT

An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of stiff segments, one of the flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are visible under a medical imaging system. In some embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/148,410, filed on Apr. 16, 2015, which is incorporated-by-reference herein in its entirety

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to imaging markers used in medical devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top view of an imaging marker with two stiff segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the imaging marker of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an imaging marker with three stiff segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an imaging marker with two cut-out flexible segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an imaging marker with two cut-out flexible segments;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an imaging marker with multiple stiff and flexible segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a catheter having an imaging marker comprising two stiff segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the imaging marker of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is diagrammatic cross-section of a catheter with an imaging marker with two stiff segments traversing an aorta-iliac bifurcation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A side-port of a catheter decreases the stiffness of the catheter's shaft since a portion of the catheter's material is removed to define the side-port. This decreased shaft stiffness results in a stiffness profile with abrupt changes, which may make it more challenging to advance a catheter, or any elongated medical device, through tortuous anatomy. In some cases, a non-gradual transition of shaft stiffness leads to difficulty in tracking up and over the aorta-iliac bifurcation. In some particular cases, as the distal tip of a catheter advances across the bifurcation, the catheter shaft proximal to the side-port advances up the aorta, creating a U-shaped bend in the shaft. In instances where the catheter has a solid imaging marker extending the length of the side-port (e.g. a platinum marker), the U-shaped bend can deform or kink the marker permanently. Such deformations may prevent the catheter from returning to its original shape when the catheter is retracted. It is more difficult to advance or withdraw a deformed catheter than an undamaged catheter, especially through tortuous paths. A marker for marking the entire length of a long side-port (e.g. a capsule shaped side-port) is especially vulnerable to such damage.

The present inventors have conceived and reduced to practice multiple embodiments of imaging markers that reduce, minimize or alleviate such undesirable deformations. Typically, embodiments of the present invention include imaging markers comprised of alternating stiff segments and flexible segments wherein at least two of the segments are stiff segments. Alternating segments of the marker may comprise more than one material to provide sufficient flexibility to avoid permanent kinking. In typical embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a material visible under a medical imaging system. In some such embodiments, the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque material which is visible under an X-ray (fluoroscopy) imaging system.

The disclosed imaging marker may be used in a device without a side-port. In a device with a side-port, the imaging marker provides support to the portion of the catheter having the side-port.

In one broad aspect, embodiments of the present invention comprise an imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of the at least two stiff segments, one of the one or more flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent.

In a further broad aspect, embodiments of the present invention comprise a catheter comprising at least one imaging marker, the at least one imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and at least one flexible segment, wherein for each pair of the at least two stiff segments, one of the one or more flexible segments is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the catheter is bent at a location of the imaging marker. As a feature of this aspect, a portion of the catheter includes a side-port and the segmented imaging marker is operable to mark the position of the side-port.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of certain embodiments of the present invention only. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a segmented imaging marker that can bend and flex without permanent deformation when it is advanced and withdrawn through torturous anatomy.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show top and a side views, respectively, of an example of an imaging marker with one flexible segment 40 between two stiff segments 30. In the drawings, stiff segments are indicated by an “S” and flexible by an “F”. A stiff segment 30 of FIGS. 1A and 1B is visible under imaging. In typical embodiments, stiff segment 30 is comprised of a radiopaque material such as platinum and flexible segment 40 is comprised of a flexible non-radiopaque material, typically a polymer. This configuration allows flexible segment 40 to function as a hinge such that the marker may bend without permanent deformation. In typical embodiments, stiff segments 30 and flexible segment 40 are pre-joined to facilitate easier installation during the assembly of a medical device such as a catheter.

In some embodiments, stiff segment 30 is comprised of a radiopaque material, while in some alternative embodiments, stiff segment 30 is covered with a radiopaque coating. The radiopaque material of the stiff segment is selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, gold, palladium, tungsten, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the radiopaque material is comprised of about 90% platinum and about 10% iridium. In alternative embodiments, the radiopaque material is comprised of about 92% platinum and about 8% tungsten. In some alternative embodiments, stiff segment 30 is comprised of a radiopaque polymer. In general, an imaging marker 20 comprised of metal is stiffer and provides better support than a polymer marker, particularly in cases where the imaging marker is located at side-port. Further details regarding materials used in radiopaque markers are found in PCT application PCT/IB2012/056315, entitled “Radiofrequency perforation apparatus”, filed Nov. 9, 2012, which is herein incorporated-by-reference in its entirety.

In some alternative embodiments, stiff segment 30 is visible under ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging systems. Examples of means to provide imaging include magnetic components including magnetic coils for MRI, and surface markings in the case of ultrasound. Further details regarding materials and means used in magnetic and echogenic markers are found in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/962,396, entitled “Medical devices with visibility-enhancing features”, filed Aug. 8, 2013, which is herein incorporated-by-reference in its entirety.

In some alternative embodiments, flexible segment 40 is comprised of a radiopaque polymer, for example, a polymer containing a radiopaque powder such as is known to those skilled in the art. In some alternative embodiments, flexible segment 40 is comprised of a thin metal layer which is the same material as stiff segment 30, while in some other alternative embodiments, flexible segment 40 is comprised of a different metal. In yet another alternative embodiment, flexible segment 40 is comprised of a mechanical hinge. In some alternative embodiments, stiff segment 30 and/or flexible segment 40 are comprised of braided materials.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention comprising imaging marker 20 having three stiff segments 30 and two flexible segments 40. Increasing the number of segments for an imaging marker 20, while keeping the marker's length constant, provides more flexibility for travelling through tortuous paths. Conversely, decreasing the number of segments for an imaging marker 20, while keeping the marker's length constant, provides greater stiffness and support, which is particularly relevant when the marker is at a side-port, especially if the side-port is longitudinally elongate. In general, the number of segments can be selected to adjust the stiffness profile appropriate for the application. In typical embodiments, the stiff sections are close enough that they appear as a single marker under imaging. Further embodiments may include more than three stiff segments 30.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of an imaging marker 20 with two flexible segments 40. Some embodiments of imaging marker 20 are substantially comprised of one material, and flexible segments are defined by areas where some of the material has been removed, creating cut-out portions 42. Cut-out portions 42 can be formed by cutting into the material (or materials, in the case of alternative embodiments) of imaging marker 20 with a laser or some other means.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of an imaging marker 20 with two flexible segments 40 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3. In this embodiment, cut-out portions 42 include multiple relatively smaller cut-outs rather than a single cut-out.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes multiple stiff segments 30 and flexible segments 40 arranged in two longitudinal rows which provide flexibility longitudinally and laterally. Further embodiments include more than two longitudinal rows.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a catheter 50 having an imaging marker with two stiff segments. Catheter 50, indicated by 50 a, 50 b, and 50 c, includes a side-port 52 and a lumen 54. The imaging marker, indicated by stiff segment 30 a, flexible segment 40, and stiff segment 30 b, is located at side-port 52 with at least of portion of the imaging marker opposite to the side-port. Imaging marker 20 is longitudinally orientated with respect to catheter 50. In some embodiments, flexible segment 40 is comprised of the same material as the side wall of catheter 50, typically a polymer. In some alternative embodiments, flexible segment 40 comprises a void (i.e. an empty space) surrounded or defined by a polymer which may be a different polymer than the side wall. Flexible segment 40 acts as a hinge and allows the side-port to bend while tracking through tortuous anatomy. Typically, stiff segment 30 a and stiff segment 30 b are close enough that the two segments appear as a single marker under imaging.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the imaging marker 20 of FIG. 6, comprising stiff segments 30 a and 30 b. When viewed under imaging from above, imaging marker 20 appears as a “T” shape, and when viewed under imaging from the side, imaging marker 20 appears as an “L” shape. Such markers are known as “LT” markers. The marker backbone 20 b of FIG. 7 has a curved configuration for corresponding with a side wall of a catheter. Marker band 20 a of FIGS. 6 and 7 has a generally circular cross section which substantially corresponds with a cross section of the side wall of the catheter 50 for embedding the imaging marker within the side wall of the catheter.

Imaging marker 20, which is typically includes a metal, provides additional support at the portion of catheter 50 having side-port 52 while allowing the catheter to bend and flex when travelling through curves without permanent deformation of imaging marker 20. The embodiments of imaging marker 20 of FIGS. 6 to 8 further include a marker band 20 a and marker backbone 20 b which may be used to visualize the location of side-port 52 under imaging. Imaging marker 20 is typically comprised of a radiopaque metal, for example, stainless steel, platinum, or a mixture of platinum and iridium. A proximal portion of imaging marker 20, marker band 20 a, is typically located proximal of side-port 52 such that marker band 20 a may be used to facilitate determination of longitudinal positioning of side-port 52. Marker backbone 20 b is substantially opposite to side-port 52, i.e. aligned at about 180° relative to the side-port, such that marker backbone 20 b is operable to facilitate determination of a rotational orientation of side-port 52. Marker backbone 20 b may also be used for longitudinal positioning. Further details regarding providing support while allowing flexibility are disclosed in U.S. provisional application 61/929,158, entitled “Collapsible Tip Re-entry Catheter”, filed Jan. 20, 2014, and in PCT application PCT/IB2015/050396, entitled “Collapsible Tip Re-entry Catheter”, filed Jan. 19, 2015, both of which are herein incorporated-by-reference in their entirety.

While the embodiment of imaging marker 20 of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is comprised of two stiff segments, some alternative embodiments are comprised of three stiff segments. Dimensions of some embodiments having two or three stiff segments for use with an embodiment of side-port 52 of about 7 mm in length are shown in the following table:

Feature/Property Nominal value Workable range Young's modulus of 170 GPa ≈100-400 GPa stiff segment 30 (typical range for metals) Young's modulus of 0.8 GPa 0.5-4 GPa flexible segment 40 Length of catheter 50 1.2 m 1-1.5 m Total length of imaging about 7 mm for a reduced- 5-15 mm marker 20 length imaging marker [Otherwise, about 8 mm for 2 stiff segments, about 9 mm for 3 stiff segments] Length of stiff 3.5 mm 2-7.5 mm segment 30 in a 2-segment configuration Length of flexible 1 mm 0.5-2 mm segment 40 in a 2-segment and 3-segment configuration Length of stiff 2.3 mm 1.5-5 mm segment 30 in a 3-segment configuration

Regarding the total length of imaging marker 20, the dimensions of stiff segment 30 and flexible segment 40 can be reduced to combine for a total length of imaging marker of about 7 mm, which is the nominal size of the side-port. Alternately, the total length of imaging marker may be about 8 mm for markers with two stiff segments, and about 9 mm for markers with three stiff segments. Typically, the stiff segments are close enough that the segments may function as a single marker under imaging. Such imaging markers could possibly be used in a re-entry catheter.

In typical embodiments, stiff segment 30 a and stiff segment 30 b are pre-joined by a flexible material to facilitate easier loading during device assembly. The material comprising flexible segment 40 may be the same type of material as the side-wall of catheter 50 or, in alternative embodiments, may be a different material. Other alternative embodiments of the imaging marker of FIGS. 6 and 7 include flexible segment 40 being comprised of the previously described embodiments of flexible segment 40 of FIGS. 1 to 5. A flexible segment 40 may or may not be radiopaque.

FIG. 8 illustrates catheter 50, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, traversing an aorta-iliac bifurcation, defined by the abdominal aorta 60, right common iliac artery 62, and left common iliac artery 64. Flexible segment 40 bends with the catheter allowing independent movement of stiff segment 30 a and stiff segment 30 b. As a result, catheter 50 traverses the aorta-iliac bifurcation without permanent deformation of the imaging marker.

In further embodiments of the present invention, imaging markers described herein may be used in devices other than catheters and in devices without a side-port. For example, the disclosed imaging markers may be used in devices used in epicardial procedures. Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use in any type of medical device that travels through tortuous anatomy.

The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 

We claim:
 1. An imaging marker for use with a catheter, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and a flexible segment, wherein for a pair of the at least two stiff segments, the flexible segment is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the imaging marker is bent, the plurality of segments are integral with one another, the flexible segment is defined by multiple cut-outs in a material or materials of which the plurality of segments are comprised, each of the multiple cut-outs is orientated in a lateral direction along a single side of the imaging marker, and each of the multiple cut-outs is separate from and not connected to the other multiple cut-outs.
 2. The imaging marker of claim 1, wherein the stiff segments are radiopaque.
 3. The imaging marker of claim 2, wherein the stiff segments comprise material selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, gold, palladium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.
 4. The imaging marker of claim 2, wherein the stiff segments are comprised of a radiopaque polymer.
 5. The imaging marker of claim 2, wherein the stiff segments are covered with a radiopaque coating.
 6. The imaging marker of claim 1, wherein the plurality of segments comprise two stiff segments with one flexible segment therebetween.
 7. The imaging marker of claim 1, wherein the imaging marker has a cross section with a curved configuration for corresponding with a side wall of the catheter whereby the catheter can be embedded within the side wall of the catheter between an outer surface of the side wall and an inner surface of the side wall.
 8. A catheter comprising an imaging marker, the imaging marker comprising a plurality of segments including at least two stiff segments and a flexible segment, wherein for a pair of the at least two stiff segments, the flexible segment is located therebetween such that the flexible segment is operable to function as a hinge when the catheter is bent at a location of the imaging marker, the plurality of segments are integral with one another, the flexible segment is defined by multiple cut-outs in a material or materials of which the plurality of segments are comprised, each of the multiple cut-outs is orientated in a lateral direction along a single side of the imaging marker, and each of the multiple cut-outs is separate from and not connected to the other multiple cut-outs.
 9. The catheter of claim 8, wherein the imaging marker is elongated and longitudinally orientated with respect to the catheter.
 10. The catheter of claim 8, further comprising a side wall defining a side-port, and wherein the imaging marker is associated with a portion of the side wall opposite the side-port such that the imaging marker provides support to a portion of the catheter having the side-port.
 11. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the imaging marker is embedded within the side wall between an outer surface of the side wall and an inner surface of the side wall.
 12. The catheter of claim 10, wherein the imaging marker is attached to a surface of the side wall. 